Collectors can frame rules on venue, time for public meetings''

Madurai, Feb 17 (PTI): The Madurai bench of Madras HighCourt has suggested that District Collectors frame rules onvenue and time for public meetings and other such events.

Disposing a petition by a traders'' association atTuticorin, Justice K K Sasidharan, said the state governmentcannot remain silent when public meetings and dharnas are heldin daytime in the heart of the town, causing difficulties tothe public.

The Association- Tuticorin First Gate Gandhi Statue VattaraViabarigal Sangam had filed the petition, praying that thecourt restrain police from granting permission to politiciansand others to conduct public meetings and dharnas near thestatue Junction and first Railway crossing gate in the town.

Granting such pemission led to traffic jams in the area,they contended.

The Judge said Tuticorin is admittedly an Industrial townwith a port with many industries in the municipal area.

Therefore a large number of vehicles pass through the town,where the Gandhi statue junction is very important area.

He directed the Tuticorin District Collector to frameguidelines in three montnths for permitting such meetings inconsulation with the Superintendent of Police. The officialscould receive suggestions from the public and Politicalparties, he said.